Plague found in Palomar Mt. squirrel

Another squirrel has tested positive for the bubonic plague on Palomar Mountain, and although health officials say there is no need for alarm, they are encouraging campers and hikers to protect themselves.

Plague is a bacterial disease of wild rodents that can be transmitted to humans through the bite of infected fleas. No locally acquired human cases of plague have been reported in the county in the 50 or 60 years such records have been kept, Chris Conlan of county vector control said last year.

Almost every year, routine testing finds plague present in a squirrel or two in the local mountains.

In the latest case, the squirrel was trapped recently at the Cedar Grove Campground and is the first case of plague found this year.

In a news release, Department of Environmental Health Director Jack Miller said people can take simple steps to protect themselves from exposure.

“The big thing is to avoid contact with squirrels and the fleas that they can carry,” Miller said in the release. “Campers should set up tents away from squirrel burrows, and hikers and campers should never feed squirrels and (they should) warn their children not to play with squirrels.”

Warning signs have been posted in ares where plague has been confirmed.

Other tips to avoid the plague: protect pets by keeping them on a leash; use flea control, or leave pets at home; and contact a doctor immediately if you become ill within one week of visiting a known plague area.